The Walk MS events held in 18 communities throughout Wisconsin in April and May have raised nearly $1.3 million with a goal of $1.5 million. The funds will be used for multiple sclerosis-related research, as well as programs and services for the more than 10,000 children, women and men diagnosed with MS in the state.
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Wisconsin is believed to have one of the higher MS prevalence rates in the nation.
Find out what's happening in Menomonee Fallsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Held every spring in Wisconsin since 1984, the fully accessible Walk MS routes – three miles on average – have become a focal point for family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors who want to show their support for those living with the disease while raising awareness in their communities. More than 11,500 walkers and 550 volunteers participated throughout the state. The largest walks were held in Milwaukee, Madison and De Pere; the new site added this year was Rhinelander. Walk MS: Menomonee Falls was held April 27.
There is no registration fee for Walk MS events, so the money raised comes completely from participant donations and individual fundraising as well as corporate sponsorships. Sponsors this year included Columbia St. Mary’s and CSA in addition to a number of businesses throughout the state and in specific communities that generously provided support.
Donations are still being accepted online at www.wisMS.org and by phone at (262) 369-4400 (toll-free 800-242-3358).
About MS and the National MS Society
Multiple sclerosis (MS) interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving. It is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and approximately 80% of those who are diagnosed are women. While the progression, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.